This 98-year-old start-up founder is showing no signs of stopping

Most of us are used to reading stories about the next hot technology start-up launched by founders right out of college. Or venture-backed companies run by millennials. It’s not unusual to even read a story or two about the seventh grader who’s making a bundle selling soaps or the high school kid that invents a better cookie. But here’s something you don’t read very often: a 98-year-old entrepreneur – who’s also legally blind.

Nick Sabatino is that guy. He’s starting up a new consulting business in Dayton, Ohio – where he’s lived all his life – and it’s called Say It With An Idea. The business will draw on the experience and knowledge of retired business people, artists and politicians – as well as leveraging their networks – to provide advice and help connect clients to the right information and people so that they can grow their businesses.

“No businesses, no presidents, all owners,” he told the Dayton Daily News. “We’ll communicate with Skype and our only products will be ideas.”

Would you take business advice from a 98-year-old guy? You would if he had the experience to back it up. And Sabatino does. That’s because entrepreneurship and business has always been a big part of Sabatino’s life – and still is. He owned his own advertising agency in downtown Dayton and published a children’s book. Today, he’s still very much in business, selling his children’s books like “The Tiny Donut With A Big Heart” and “Jake and Jack” on his website. That fact that he’s legally blind hasn’t deterred him.

His advice for anyone who wants to start a business? “Just start doing it,” he says. “Whatever your idea, just start.” One thing’s for sure: it’s never too late.